Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: HVLP Gelcoat Spray Guns
Posted by wfsiv on 09/16/10 - 10:30 AM
#1
As I plan to spray my project with Primer and Gelcoat I have become concerned with matching a gun with compressor. My compressor doesn't appear to push the volume or CFM's needed by most guns. I came across a gun designed for low CFM compressors by minicraft.
http://www.minicraft.com//Techdocs/mini_spray_brochureBP.pdf
Does anyone have any experience with this product, or can you offer a suggestion for an alternate?
Posted by ChrisMA on 09/16/10 - 2:15 PM
#2
What kind of compressor do you have? A basic 2hp 25 gallon compressor can use a HVLP conversion gun, but possibly not continuously.
Chris
Posted by spoonriver on 09/16/10 - 4:38 PM
#3
I just finished spraying a 13, 1.5 gals of high build primer, and 2 gals of gelcoat. Used a cheap hvlp sprayer from Northern Tool with a 2.3mm tip. Compressor 4hp with a 13 gal tank, 7.1 cfm at 40 psi. No prior spraying experience and couldn't be happier with the result. Elliott
Posted by wfsiv on 09/16/10 - 5:45 PM
#4
Chris, Mine's too small...pancake portable 2.2 cfm, I'll need to borrow one. I quess if I am only doing 20-32 oz at at time I should be ok with a larger compressor. Just need to find one that I can hold on to for a little while. Plenty of contractors with compressors not being used in my neck of the woods.
Elliott, that's good news for me as I have no prior experience either. Thanks for giving the info now I know what to ask for on my "borrow Hunt"
Posted by JohnnyCW on 09/16/10 - 7:38 PM
#5
wfsiv wrote:
Chris, Mine's too small...pancake portable 2.2 cfm, I'll need to borrow one.
rr
Don't forget, if necessary, you can use more than one compressor at a time as well. Running two smaller compressors connected to a T connector will yield both of their rated outputs together. You'll have to run them off separate circuits though as running more than one on a single electrical circuit will likely cause the breaker to trip from overload.
Posted by modenacart on 09/17/10 - 7:27 AM
#7
The one I used from Northern tool left a heavy orange peel. It was the 2.3 mm tip. I sprayed about 16 oz at a time and my compressor couldn't keep up. I think it must be about 20 gallons but not sure.
Posted by modenacart on 09/18/10 - 4:26 PM
#8
It is a 4.4 hp, 15 gallon compressor, not 20 gallon.
Posted by wfsiv on 09/18/10 - 4:50 PM
#9
Modenacart,
Which gun did you get. There seems to be a range of acceptable CFM's on most guns from 7-15...I can borrow a 25 gallon 6 HP compressor that is rated at 7.2 CFM at 40 psi but I haven't purchased my gun yet. I think this is the best I can do on the compressor and don't want to waste $ on the wrong gun and ruin my material.
Posted by modenacart on 09/18/10 - 8:54 PM
#10
I will have to look at the model number but it wasn't the cheapest 2.3mm gun, it was the next to cheapest.